Wow! I'm pretty impressed with how fast the wheels are turning with this group! Sounds like great fun and I'm looking forward to meeting you all. I tried to post a reply on the Maryland DC TC site but the action failed (I'm technically challenged!).

I'm flying in on Saturday, May 3 for a week of several one night stands (actually 2 nights in DC). Pretty busy work schedule:

Saturday night in DC is free but I have the small problem of being without a car so I thought I could at least take the metro to Politiki where I could meet up with you. I should check-in to my hotel around 8:00 pm.

I don't think I'm gonna be able to make it on Saturday but, I highly recommend going to Honolulu for cocktails instead of Politiki. The drinks at Politiki suck and they haven't ordered any more Jimmy Carter mugs which also sucks!

I know that Arty will email ASAP--when he's back in Cali, but I saw him on Tues in NYC and the man was feeling SO SORRY for missing the DC group. He said that his flight came in late, and then when he got to the restaurant at 11:30 pm, it was dark, locked, and everyone gone. He really felt bad (he's a great guy! don't hold this against him!) and I'm sure he'll resurface soon with lots of apologies.

It's a nightmare of a story, but my flight was delayed in Orange County and I missed my connection in Chicago. I was then re-routed to Dulles instead of Reagan so my plan to take the train or taxi to the Honolulu was foiled from the airport.

To make matters worse, my hotel arrangements were made by other colleagues and they did not arrange for my arrival until Sunday! When I went to check in they were completely sold out so I had to find another hotel. By the time I got settled and negotiated the car from my colleague who arrived earlier it was 10:45 pm. I raced down to Alexandria and went right passed the Honolulu (didn't see it because the lights were out!) and drove down the winding road into the residential area. After circling a few times, I pulled into the parking lot where the waiter with an orange aloha shirt was getting into his car. I asked him what time they closed and he said 11:00 pm. I was pretty crushed. Sadly, I thought briefly about driving to Politiki but by then, I was just whuppped.

I made the big mistake of not exchanging numbers with one of you. I should have known better, but I just assumed everything would work out like it has in New York -- you know the song "if I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere" -- not this time!

Anyhoo, it was a whirl wind tour. Eight states in five days. My colleagues and I drove from Maryland to Boston and I just got home. This is the first chance I've had to post anything.

So again, my sincere apologies. I usually visit DC once a year, so perhaps another time. If any of you are coming to Southern California anytime soon, please let me know so I can make it up to you.